The new Mater Dei Hospital will officially open on June 29, The Sunday Times has learnt, two days before the original target date.

After Mater Dei is opened by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, an open weekend will be held on June 30 and July 1 for the public, who will be able to visit the hospital and take part in a number of organised events.

Over 9,000 people have already visited the hospital site since 2001. They included representatives of trade unions, councils, professional associations, political parties, voluntary organisations and other non-governmental organisations.

After contractor Skanska delivers the hospital, which cost around Lm200 million, a carefully phased migration will start immediately and the hospital is expected to be fully operational within three to four months of opening.

The government has faced criticism from some quarters, particularly the Labour Party, who have argued that the opening will be nothing more than a ceremonial event.

But Dr Gonzi said earlier this month: "We're not interested in gimmicks and the opening ceremony is not the priority. We will start taking patients when it's least risky - but within three to four months of that date it will be fully operational."

Most of the bulky equipment on site, worth around €50 million, has already been installed in the hospital. Testing and commissioning is also under way in a number of areas to ensure the equipment functions properly. Staff will be trained in the use of medical equipment and engineering systems.

The Prime Minister has also said that Government is determined to continue investing in nurses and support staff to complement the investment being made.

In fact, over 400 vacancies - ranging from senior house officers to receptionists - have already been advertised in addition to the 3,700 staff members who are already at St Luke's Hospital.

Mater Dei will have 825 in-patient beds compared to 838 at St Luke's, but it will also have 107 day beds compared to 62 at the existing hospital.